Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A white 2021 GMC Terrain is shown driving down a snowy road near a used GMC dealer.

Used GMC Models With the Best Gas Mileage

We all like to save a buck, there’s no denying that. The biggest vehicle expense many of us have regularly is filling up with gas, and if you’re in the market for a new car, truck, or SUV, chances are you’re looking closely at fuel economy. Gas prices continue to be among the highest they’ve ever been, so when you’re searching for a new vehicle, you want to choose one that offers superior fuel efficiency.

Certain brands in the automotive industry tend to perform better than others, and one of them at the top of my list is GMC. Buying a used GMC is even better since you’re taking advantage of luxury-level models that offer you the features and design elements you desire without the new-car price tag. As you check out a used GMC dealer near you, you should pay attention to the following used GMC models that have excellent fuel efficiency.

GMC Terrain: A Compact Commuter Favorite

As a compact crossover SUV that has every aspect of your drive covered, the GMC Terrain is one of the most fuel-efficient models in GMC’s lineup. Models from 2022, for example, are equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which not only offers an engaging ride with 170 horsepower pushing it forward, it’s also incredibly good on gas. Getting an estimated 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway for fuel economy, the Terrain can be seen taking a variety of travelers everywhere they need to go. It’s small and agile, making it ideal for city driving, while its refined ride quality and high-end appointments place it ahead of many others in its segment.

In addition to superior fuel efficiency, models from 2022 offer a newly revamped exterior with a revitalized grille and bumper, plus new wheel designs, and other premium styling elements. The off-road-ready AT4 model also makes its way into the Terrain’s lineup, providing you with even more options if you want to enjoy this small-size traveler. When you buy used, even if the model you’re looking at is just a year old, you’re able to enjoy a lower sticker price, as well as all the features to inspire your next road trip.

GMC Canyon: Midsize Truck Versatility

The midsize Canyon pickup is a popular truck for many drivers, mainly those who want the capabilities of a pickup but who don’t need a large and commanding vehicle for their everyday journeys. Many engines can reside under the hood of this GMC staple, but if you’re looking for maximum efficiency, you can’t go wrong with the 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, which expertly blends power and efficiency to make for the perfect ride. Able to tow over 7,000 lbs, this powerful diesel can hold its own on the jobsite or during any type of home project you’re taking on. What’s more is that it’s remarkably efficient, able to get an estimated 20 MPG on city streets and 30 MPG on the highway, which allows it to resonate with drivers of all walks of life.

You can enhance this pickup even more by looking for models from 2019, which have elevated innovation to further add to their exceptional ride. From improved Infotainment software to heightened voice recognition capabilities, the 2019 Canyon offers top-level tech, and since these models are a few years old now, you get to save on these intuitive features. If you’re looking for a truck, one that can effortlessly coast from the highway to the jobsite, then the Canyon is an absolute winner.

GMC Acadia: A Bold SUV Ready for Anything

Exhibiting a truck-inspired design and plenty of attitude moving it forward, whether on the highway or the trails, the midsize Acadia is ideal for many types of drivers. Families love it, due to the space inside its carefully crafted cabin, while adventurers are also drawn to it, due to its rugged design and capabilities. More recent models, like those from 2021 and newer, feature impeccable fuel economy, with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder able to get an estimated 22 MPG while traveling through the city and 29 MPG out on the open highway. This makes all those trips to school, the trails, or the office more affordable since you’re able to stretch your dollar further at the gas pump.

If you choose models from 2020, you get to enjoy ample efficiency, as well as heightened style by way of standard LED lighting elements, a commanding grille, and more premium features in its cabin to make the drive more enjoyable. Improved tech, through an 8.0-inch Infotainment screen and an intuitive user interface, helps you stay connected to the drive ahead. You’ll also have access to convenience features like a hands-free power liftgate that makes loading and unloading your vehicle an effortless experience.

A red 2020 GMC Acadia is shown parked on a driveway.

GMC Yukon: A True Family Favorite

You may not think that a full-size SUV as big as the Yukon can deliver impressive fuel efficiency numbers, but I think you’ll be surprised. This large-scale family hauler changes the game when it comes to the capabilities of full-size travelers, and it does this through its available 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine, which allows it to get an estimated 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. This adds value to all those trips to sports practice, the elementary school, orthodontist appointments, and everywhere else your kiddos have to go each day.

You’ll want to check out models from 2021 if you want to take advantage of one of the Yukon’s latest redesigns and remember that when you buy used, you get to enjoy these features for less money. In addition to sleek, new design elements inside and out, the 2021 Yukon receives its first-ever independent rear suspension to provide maximum control and precision on the road ahead. If you’re searching for a full-size SUV for your family that’s roomy and good on gas, look no further—the Yukon has you covered.

GMC Sierra 1500: Work-Ready, Trail-Ready, Commute-Capable

There’s nothing the full-size Sierra 1500 pickup can’t do, and like the large Yukon, we may expect it to struggle when it comes to fuel efficiency, but it’s ready to prove us wrong. That legendary turbo-diesel in GMC’s lineup just keeps on impressing drivers, especially when it comes to fuel economy. Not only is the Sierra 1500 perfectly capable of taking on some of the most challenging jobs on the construction site, with a towing capacity of over 13,000 lbs, but it can hold its own at the fuel pump too. This iconic diesel helps the Sierra 1500 maximize its potential on city streets and highways, getting an estimated 23 MPG and 30 MPG respectively.

A Sierra 1500 from 2021 will impress you, with the addition of new models to its inventory, including the ultra-luxurious Denali Ultimate, and the rugged, off-road capable AT4X. You’ll also find newer, larger touchscreens, as well as incredible trailering capabilities to add control to any haul. When you’re on the lookout for a pickup that doesn’t compromise power for efficiency, the Sierra 1500 is one of the best in the business.

A white 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is shown parked in a factory.

Get the Most From Your Next Used GMC Model

Whether you’re on the hunt for a compact traveler or a family hauler, a tough-as-nails truck or a fearless adventurer, GMC has something in its lineup for you. Choosing to buy used is a great decision, especially when you want to get more for your money, and if fuel efficiency is on your mind, then rest assured that any one of these models won’t hesitate to impress you. If there’s one thing to be certain about, you’ll be in for one of the most impactful rides in the business when you have a GMC in charge of every aspect of your journey. Plus, with GMC’s commitment to sophistication and style, you don’t have to miss out on luxury or advanced technology simply because you prefer to keep a pre-owned vehicle on the road longer.